Overview
- The Rio de Janeiro Public Ministry launched Operation Charon on Wednesday, carrying out 14 arrest warrants and 21 search‑and‑seizure orders and detaining several of Ricardo Magro’s relatives and associates while Magro remains sought.
- Gaesf prosecutors say they are investigating crimes of tax evasion, organized crime and money laundering tied to the group that controlled the Refinaria de Manguinhos (Refit).
- Investigators attribute a fiscal liability exceeding R$15 billion to the group, with about R$14 billion linked to Refit, a figure that amplifies the state’s public‑finance exposure.
- Federal Police and the Supreme Court previously ordered Magro’s preventive arrest and his inclusion on an Interpol Red Notice in May, and authorities say he has lived in the United States since before 2018 and used offshore structures in jurisdictions such as Delaware, the Bahamas and Malta.
- Prosecutors plan further asset tracing and international cooperation to recover funds and press charges, a process that could affect bankruptcy proceedings for Refit and the state’s efforts to recoup lost tax revenue.